David Filner assumed the administrative leadership of the San Antonio Symphony in November, 2012. Led by Music Director Sebastian Lang-Lessing, the San Antonio Symphony is celebrating its 73rd year this season.

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Topping Out the Tobin

Bruce Bugg speaks in front of the steel beam used in the topping out ceremony

Yesterday marked an important step in the development of Tobin Center with the “Topping Out” Ceremony. At the ceremony, a large steel beam painted purple was signed by members of the arts community, city leaders and members of the Performing Arts Center Foundation Board.

Following a series of speeches, the beam was lifted by a huge crane and set on top of the building where it will help support the roof over the stage. If you look closely, you may notice something a little strange in the picture to below. Yes, that is a tree in the center of the beam as well as a Texas and US flag. I am not entirely sure why a tree is included on the topping beam, but I understand it is a long standing tradition when topping out a building.

It was also announced at the ceremony that currently the building is on-time and on-budget, which is great news for everyone in San Antonio. The Symphony is already having preliminary discussions with the Tobin Center and other performing arts groups in San Antonio about planning a fabulous opening season in 2014. The community of San Antonio will not only have a beautiful building, but it will have a facility that will transform music education and the performing arts. The ceremony yesterday was a reminder of what great things are ahead for the arts in San Antonio.